NPI: Reminder - POS Updates Coming for NPI Implementation
To prepare for Medi-Cal’s National Provider Identifier (NPI) implementation on November 26, 2007, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is updating the Point of Service (POS) system to process the 10-digit NPI in all transactions
and expanding the Share of Cost (SOC) Spend Down Procedure Code field
from 11 characters to 19 characters.
Note: Providers not eligible for an NPI will continue to use the nine-digit Medi-Cal provider number.
Modifications are being made to the following:
- POS device software
- Internet software
- Mainframe supportive software
Real-time processing transactions included are:
- Internet transactions
- Point of Service (POS)
- Automated Eligibility Verification System (AEVS)
- Supplemental Automated Eligibility Verification System (SAEVS)
POS Device Download
Beginning August 25, 2007, messages will appear on POS devices announcing an automatic software update download. No action is required by providers except to leave the device on at the end of the day. The software will download automatically.
This software update accommodates the 10-digit NPI in preparation for Medi-Cal’s implementation on November 26, 2007. Providers must continue to enter the Medi-Cal provider number until the NPI implementation date. If an NPI is entered before November 26, 2007, the POS device will return an error message.
October 19, 2007 Test Transaction Deadline
Once the software is downloaded, a test transaction is required. Test transactions must be completed by October 19, 2007 and include the NPI and appropriate qualifier. Instructions for executing a test transaction are included in the Assembly and Installation section of the
POS Device User Guide.
Providers also may call the POS Help Desk at 1-800-541-5555 and choose option 16 from the main menu and option 16 from the submenu for further instructions, or to request a hard copy of the POS Device User Guide.
Eligibility
On November 26, 2007, Medi-Cal will accept only the NPI for eligibility transactions, Medi-Services reservations and SOC spend down dial-up or leased-line transmissions. Information about sending and receiving data via leased-line and dial-up submissions is available in the ASC X12N 270/271Version 4010A1 Health Care Eligibility Benefit Inquiry and Response (Real-Time and Batch) companion guide.
Providers can download the 270/271 Overview for Leased-Line, Dial-Up and Batch Submissions section of the guide. Information about mandatory testing for the 270/271 v.4010A1 eligibility transaction using the NPI is in that section.
| New: | Providers who tested 270/271 v.4010A1 eligibility transactions using their Medi-Cal provider numbers do not need to retest using NPI numbers. |
Pharmacy
On November 26, 2007, Medi-Cal will accept only the NPI for all National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) Version 5.1 dial-up and leased-line transmissions. NCPDP Version 5.1 technical publications will be available on the Web page referenced above at a future date. Future Medi-Cal Updates will include more information. Test data for NCPDP transactions using the NPI are detailed in the NCPDP 5.1 specifications.
Note:
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